Tourists touching down at Heathrow will be introduced to the idiosyncrasies and quirks of modern British life by national treasure Stephen Fry , in a new video guide which launches this week.

The much-loved actor, writer, comedian, presenter and director, known for classic TV shows including QI, Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster, has teamed up with BAFTA award-winning scriptwriter Graham Linehan to create ‘Stephen Fry’s Guide to the UK.

The video is a tongue-in-cheek guide, giving visitors tips and tricks on handling British etiquette.

The short film was reportedly created in response to a desire from arriving passengers to get a sense, from the moment they touchdown at the airport, of the UK’s culture.

Visitors can access the guide on arrival at Heathrow via the airport’s free Wi-Fi page, on YouTube and can also be viewed on the Heathrow Express.

Set in a quintessentially British gastropub, the three-minute video sees Stephen pondering the many things that make the UK a great place to visit, from the Scottish highlands to the Giant’s Causeway, St Paul’s Cathedral and Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch in Wales, before being taken to a table.

'Modern Britain is truly an extraordinary place'

Advice from Fry includes what to do when conversation breaks out with strangers, the importance of mastering ‘the agreement rule,’ cheering upon the smashing of plates and glasses, and navigating the awkward ‘after you’ loop, all the while stressing the importance of making yourself at home.

Speaking about the video, Stephen Fry said: “From Snowdon to the Scottish Highlands and London to Londonderry, modern Britain is a truly extraordinary place.

“With a fantastic blend of cultures and traditions, we’re a nation renowned for its sense of humour, unspoken rules and little quirks.

“No matter where you go, you’re sure to talk about the weather, will need something waterproof to hand, and are likely to meet someone who feels the need to apologise profusely for everything they do.

“In fact our nation’s gentle apologetic manner is one of the things that I miss most when I’m out of the country.

“I hope people enjoy watching the video, which celebrates some of our wonderful eccentricities and welcomes people to the UK with a good old dose of British humour.”